With the coronavirus outbreak still raging worldwide, doctors like me know for sure that COVID-19 is very good at infecting people – even those who don’t show symptoms, but can spread it to you. Here are ways you can contract the virus without realizing it. Read on, and to ensure your health and that of others, don’t miss this one Sure signs you’ve already had coronavirus.
1
You went shopping and mixed with other people
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes small droplets of the virus in the air. If you breathe them in or if you touch the surface they land on, you can get an infection. That’s why social distance is very important and is enforced by many stores. Please do whatever you can to get your food delivered – and if you do go shopping, stay at least six feet away from others, even if you wait in line, and follow my advice in the next slide.
2
You touch high-touch objects
Supermarkets and gas stations provide an ideal environment for virus spreading, as many people touch and replace items, swipe credit cards, press parking meter buttons, ATMs and paper receipts. Despite recent headlines saying the CDC changed its stance on the transmission of viruses to surfaces, they later clarified, “The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to individuals from surfaces infected with the virus is undocumented,” but Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made of different materials. “
3
You get home delivery and forget one important thing
Home delivery is less risky than a supermarket, but there is still a risk of possible contamination from the surface of the food or package or from the delivery person. Best practice is to dispose of the boxes and then wash your hands after handling the packages, says Dr. Fauci.
4
You’re back in the “real world”
With cities opening up, you might go back to work, or to a mall, or to the movies. To reduce the number of new cases, you need to be extremely vigilant about your hygiene (wash your hands for 20 seconds, wear a mask, etc.), and a Yale infectious disease doctor adds another important element to consider : yourself if your message is essential. If not, skip it.
5
You take public transport
Using public transport poses one of the biggest risks of getting COVID-19. Aside from the possibility of inhaling the droplets of the virus from the air, there is a risk of infection from touching surfaces. COVID-19 can survive on the surface for up to 5 days. Handles, seats, ticket machines are touched by thousands of people every day and can contribute to the spread of viruses. In fact, the CDC only requires masks to be worn when traveling.
6
You sell and buy used things online
There are still some sites open where people can trade used, new or unwanted items. The buyer or seller can become infected and spread this infection while picking up or returning items. The virus can stay on the surface of the item and if you touch it you can get infected.
7
You share your computer at work
If you cannot work from home or if you are an “essential” worker using a shared computer or equipment, make sure to wipe it with a disinfectant wipe before using it. Wipe it before and after use to prepare it for the next person.
8
Your cell phone can be a good source of infection
Even if you wear gloves while shopping, on public transport, or at work, touching your phone can transfer viruses from gloves to the surface of your phone. It is good practice not to use your phone very often, but if necessary, you can wipe it with a disinfectant wipe as often as possible. The virus can stay on your phone and then transfer to your hands. You can get an infection without realizing it as soon as you touch your face or mouth with infected hands.
9
You’re wearing your mask wrong
The CDC recommends wearing face masks not only to protect you from infection from drops, but also to keep from spreading drops. Here’s how they say you should wear one:
-
Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
-
Place it over your nose and mouth and pin it under your chin
-
Try to place it well against the sides of your face
-
Make sure you can breathe easily
-
Do not put the cover around your neck or on your forehead
-
Don’t touch the face cover, and if you do, wash your hands “
10
You think six feet is actually three feet
Consider the close talker episode of Seinfeld? Make sure you’re not one. To prevent the virus from spreading, stand two meters away from someone when talking to them or when packing them in a supermarket. Think about the length of a double bed if that helps.
11
You have found yourself in a crowd
It can happen: You avoid crowds, just as Dr. Fauci advised, but a musician is playing live music outside your local bar, so you stop to listen and suddenly you’re surrounded by 30 other people, half of whom are wearing masks, of whom many stand elbow to elbow. As soon as possible, excuse yourself – and don’t be shy about asking others – at the grocery store, the park, or the DMV – to stand two feet away. And to weather this pandemic in your healthiest, don’t miss this one 35 places where you are likely to encounter the coronavirus.